Ever Realm Chronicles Chapter 20: Royal Activities, a sofia the first fanfic

Ever Realm Chronicles - a Sofia the First fanfic

Song in this chapter: "What's going on?" from "Doc McStuffins".

Chapter 20: Royal Activities

June 1, 1872

It was a Saturday afternoon in the Enchancia Castle ballroom. Invited guests were gathered to attend the princess coronation of Ruby. It was decided to hold the coronation at Enchancia Castle due to its royal nature, and because the Enchancia Castle ballroom would easily accommodate all the guests who would be attending.

In a dressing room in the castle, nineteen-year-old Jade was helping eighteen-year-old Ruby get ready.

"You look lovely," Jade smiled at Ruby.

"To tell you the truth, I have butterflies in my stomach," Ruby admitted. "What if I mess up? What if I trip and fall? Everybody will laugh at me."

"Nobody laughs at a princess," eighteen-year-old Sofia pointed out as she walked in, remembering what her mother had told her years earlier when Sofia became a princess.

"Everything's going to be fine," Jade said in a reassuring voice.

"I hope so," Ruby responded, nervous, as a knock came at the door.

"Come in," Jade invited.

The door opened and in walked eighteen-year-old Dorrie and eighteen-year-old Candice.

"Special delivery," Dorrie happily announced.

"Your coronation tiara has arrived, Ruby," Candice smiled. "Let's put it on you."

As Jade and Sofia watched, Dorrie and Candice carefully put the tiara on Ruby's head while brushing Ruby's hair.

"This must seem like old home week for you," Sofia said to Dorrie and Candice.

"This is one of the last times we'll be waiting on someone," Dorrie responded.

"And we're making the most of it," Candice added.

"All done," Dorrie smiled at Ruby after a few minutes. "You look fabulous in that tiara."

"You're going to knock them dead," Candice winked at Ruby.

"I'd settle for this being over with," Ruby responded, still nervous.

"Just breathe, Ruby," Sofia gently suggested. "Everything will be fine. It's not like you're going out there with a spell that's going to freeze everybody in place."

"What?!" Ruby exclaimed in shock.

"Sorry," Sofia apologized. "Just trying to make you feel better."

"I know," Ruby acknowledged. "I didn't mean to bite your head off."

"Friends don't need to apologize," Sofia happily said to Ruby.

"So, Sofia, has anybody heard anything about Cedric?" Jade wanted to know, curious.

"After he escaped from Azkaban, he disappeared off the face of the earth," Sofia reported. "Nobody's seen hide nor hair of him."

As Ruby, Jade, Sofia, Dorrie, and Candice talked, there was a scene playing out in the far away Kingdom of Durenth inside of a general store. The owner of the store, a man simply known as Oharad, was in a small back office going over his financial records.

"Not bad," Oharad smiled to himself as he went over the records. "I'm making a profit for the fifth month in a row. I see I made the right decision moving here. Durenth is very far off of the beaten path. No chance of anybody finding me here."

Oharad got up and walked to a nearby small bathroom. As Oharad looked at his reflection in the mirror, one who might have been looking would have found that Oharad was in fact Cedric using a new name.

"Well, Cedric," Cedric said to himself, "this might not be the most attractive of kingdoms, but it's better than Azkaban."

Back at Enchancia Castle, Valentina and her husband were standing in the ballroom as Valentina was cradling their recently born baby girl in her arms. As Valentina cradled the baby in her arms, a woman dressed in blue walked up.

"Hello," the woman happily greeted. "What a beautiful baby."

"Thank you," Valentina said with pride. "Miss?"

"Oh, my manners," the woman apologized. "I'm Princess Rebecca of Galonia."

"Princess," Valentina acknowledged with respect as she and her husband nodded.

"It's an honor to meet you, Princess Rebecca," Valentina's husband started. "I'm Raymond Dracano, and this is my wife, Valentina. And this is our baby daughter, Melanie."

"What a beautiful name for a beautiful young lady," Rebecca smiled at Melanie.

"Thank you, Princess," Valentina acknowledged, pleased. "She's named after a very dear friend of ours - Melanie Ludwin."

"One day, a man was trying to go after Valentina's black cat, Inky," Raymond explained. "Not everybody likes black cats, and some even view black cats with suspicion. The man tried to injure Inky when Melanie Ludwin stepped in and used a Repulsia! spell on the man. As a reward for looking out for Inky, we decided to name our baby daughter after her."

"A fine honor, indeed," Rebecca happily approved.

In another part of the ballroom, eighteen-year-old Princess Dianna of Yensid walked up to seven-year-old Doc who was helping her father set up some sandwiches on a table.

"Sir?" Dianna asked Doc's father. "May I talk to your daughter for a few moments?"

"Of course, Princess," Doc's father smiled. "We're done here anyway."

Dianna led Doc to a nearby hallway where the two talked.

"Princess," Doc acknowledged as she curtsied. "What may I do for you?"

"I've heard about your toy doctor skills," Dianna started. "You see, I have a teddy bear who is quite special to me. However, he's seen better days. He's quite worn actually. I was wondering if he could be fixed. I know it's a lot to ask. It's just ..."

"Come see me after the coronation, Princess," Doc said in a reassuring voice. "I'll take a look at your friend and see if there's anything I can do."

"Thank you," Dianna said gratefully.

At that moment, Baileywick stepped out onto the middle of the ballroom floor.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Baileywick announced. "Please welcome the Ever Realm's newest princess, Ruby Hanshaw-Chen."

Everybody clapped as Ruby appeared at the top of the stairs leading down to the ballroom. Ruby was dressed in an exquisite light purple gown and wearing a silver tiara. Ruby gracefully walked down the stairs where she was met by her mother and her new father.

"Prince Liang, Princess Helen, please escort your daughter to the coronation altar," Baileywick happily instructed.

Liang and Helen escorted Ruby to the coronation altar where King Toshi, Prince Soji, and Jade were waiting.

"Ruby Hanshaw-Chen," King Toshi happily started, "will you solemnly promise to be faithful to the people of Satu, according to the statutes in parliament agreed on, and the respective laws and customs of the same? Will you, in your power as a Princess of Satu, cause law and justice and mercy to be executed in all judgments?"

"I solemnly promise so to do," Ruby pledged.

"Then it is my great honor to bestow onto you the title of Princess," King Toshi smiled as he turned to those gathered. "I now give onto you Princess Ruby Hanshaw-Chen of Satu. Long may she live!"

"Long may she live!" those gathered happily chanted.

Later that afternoon

In a room in Enchancia Castle, Doc was waiting for Dianna to arrive. The room was Doc's toy doctor's office which King Roland had given her a short while back. The idea for such an office was that visiting royal children might have toys that were in need of being repaired, and having a toy doctor's office would give Enchancia Castle a unique service. As Doc sat, a knock came at the door.

"Come in," Doc invited.

The door opened, and in walked Dianna carrying a tan teddy bear which was worn. The teddy bear was wearing green pajamas and also had a green night cap and tan slippers with eyes and ears on them. The teddy bear also had glow-in-the-dark stars on his body.

"If you'll shut the door, we'll get started," Doc happily instructed.

Dianna shut the door and walked over to Doc. Dianna then sat down on a chair next to Doc.

"This is Baby Teddy," Dianna introduced the teddy bear to Doc. "I got him from my birth dad. He died when I was six."

"I'm sorry," Doc quietly said as she gently patted Dianna's shoulder. "I hope you don't mind being touched?"

"It's nice to have somebody care," Dianna said in gratitude.

"Let's take a look at Baby Teddy," Doc suggested as Dianna handed the teddy bear to Doc.

"You see, Baby Teddy is ... well," Dianna started.

"He offers you comfort," Doc noted.

"How did you know?" Dianna asked.

"You're not the first autistic person I've had contact with," Doc revealed. "I've fixed a few comfort toys in my time. I know how important a comfort toy can be to somebody with autism."

"Thank you for understanding," Dianna smiled.

"I see Baby Teddy has lost a lot of stuffing and has also lost his nose," Doc noticed.

"I have used him a lot," Dianna admitted. "He provides comfort when I'm having a meltdown or am feeling stressed. I suppose it's too much to hope that he can be repaired?"

"I've seen worse," Doc admitted. "The stuffing can be easily replaced. And I know that I have some spare noses here."

Dianna smiled at the news.

"First of all, I should reassure Baby Teddy that everything will be okay," Doc informed Dianna. "For that, I'll need to bring him to life."

"I've heard of your gift," Dianna announced. "I've been looking forward to seeing it."

Doc touched her stethoscope and in a few moments, Baby Teddy came to life.

"Hi, Dianna," Baby Teddy smiled.

"Baby Teddy!" Dianna exclaimed in glee as she hugged Baby Teddy. Dianna then turned serious. "I'm sorry I didn't take better care of you."

"I prefer to think of it as being well-loved," Baby Teddy said in a reassuring voice.

"Baby Teddy," Doc started. "Princess Dianna brought you here so I could fix you. You okay with that?"

Baby Teddy then started getting scared.

"Hey what's going on?" Doc sang. "Tell me what's wrong. I know there's something we can do. It might not be clear but that's why I'm here. Tell me what's bothering you. Got something on your mind. Don't you keep it inside. You're gonna be fine. Hey, tell me what's wrong. What's going on?"

"I've never been repaired before," Baby Teddy said, concerned. "Will it hurt?"

"Not at all," Doc promised. "And when I'm done, you'll feel like a new bear."

"Yeah!" Baby Teddy cheered in delight.

"Let's get started, shall we?" Doc suggested. "I'll bring out what I need, and then we'll begin. I'll let Princess Dianna hold you during the procedure."

Doc went and got what she needed, and then she started work on Baby Teddy. Doc carefully re-stuffed Baby Teddy, and carefully closed up the area on Baby Teddy's body where the new stuffing had been placed, Doc then carefully put a new nose on Baby Teddy.

"There we go," Doc smiled. "All done."

"Oh, Baby Teddy!" Dianna exclaimed in happiness. "You look great!"

"And I feel great, too," Baby Teddy happily announced as he hugged Dianna.

"How can I ever repay you?" Dianna asked Doc.

"Your happiness is all the payment I will ever need," Doc responded.

"Seriously, I owe you," Dianna pointed out. "There's a princess slumber party being held this evening upstairs in the planetarium. You'll come as my guest."

At that moment, a bright purple glow came from beneath Dianna's skirt.

"What was that?" Doc asked, curious.

"My Amulet of Yensid," Dianna answered. "It's magical. I keep it pinned to my petticoat so it's out of sight."

"Why did it glow just now?" Doc wanted to know.

"It occasionally does that," Dianna revealed. "It must have given me a new gift. But what?"

"I have an idea," Doc said as she looked at Baby Teddy. "Go stuffed, before I brought you to life."

"Okay," Baby Teddy agreed as he went stuffed.

"Princess Dianna, concentrate and see if you can bring Baby Teddy back to life," Doc instructed.

"I don't have that ability," Dianna pointed out.

"We'll see," Doc smiled. "See if you can bring Baby Teddy back to life."

"Okay," Dianna agreed, hesitant, as she concentrated. In a few moments, Baby Teddy came back to life.

"Did you ... do that?" Baby Teddy asked Dianna in disbelief.

"It looks like I did," Dianna said as she hugged Baby Teddy. "This is wonderful. I can bring you to life anytime I want. This is a great day. Thank you, Doc."

"You're welcome, Princess Dianna," Doc happily acknowledged.

"I'll see you at the slumber party tonight," Dianna said to Doc. "I'll make the arrangements."

That evening

In the castle observatory, Sofia and Lucinda were looking over the arrangements for Ruby's princess slumber party. As they looked around the observatory, they noticed eighteen beds set up.

"Looks like everything is in place," Lucinda smiled.

"Yes," Sofia happily acknowledged. "Eighteen attending is just large enough to be an official event but small enough to make it personal."

"Who is attending?" Lucinda wanted to know.

"You, me, Ruby, Jade, Amber, and Hikari for starters," Sofia revealed. "Then Dorrie, Candice, Isabel, Nella, Hildegard, Cleo, Faith, Skylar, Sandra, Vivian, Dianna, and Doc."

"Doc is attending?" Lucinda asked.

"Yes," Sofia smiled. "Doc fixed Dianna's teddy bear, and Dianna thought it would be nice if Doc were invited as a way to show appreciation."

"That's nice," Lucinda smiled back. "Doc has done a lot of good work around here, and she deserves some recognition."

"Jun and Oona would have been here as well, but they each had royal duties to take care of - Jun in Weiling, and Oona at Merroway Cove," Sofia revealed.

At that moment, Ruby and Jade walked into the observatory.

"This brings back memories," Jade smiled.

"We're at a royal sleepover, a royal sleepover," Ruby sang as Jade giggled.

"That turned out to be a fun night," nineteen-year-old Hildegard said as she and eighteen-year-old Cleo walked in.

"Congratulations on becoming a princess," Cleo smiled at Ruby.

"Thank you," Ruby acknowledged with a smile.

"Sofia," Hildegard started. "You've done a wonderful job setting this up."

"Thank you, Hilde," Sofia said, pleased.

"Indeed, she has," nineteen-year-old Amber agreed as she walked in with eleven-year-old Hikari and eighteen-year-old Princess Isabel from Avalor.

"So, have Doc and Skylar arrived yet?" Hikari eagerly asked, looking forward to two guests around her age.

"They should be here soon," Sofia smiled.

At that moment, Dorrie and Candice walked in with Faith and seven-year-old Skylar.

"Skylar!" Hikari exclaimed in glee.

"Hikari," Skylar smiled as the two hugged.

"Skylar is in a very good mood tonight," Faith reported. "Mom's considering sending Skylar on her first Talesman mission ... with backup, of course."

"And that's all we'll be - back up," Dorrie assured Skylar. "If your mom approves, it will be your ball game."

"Did somebody say ball game?" eighteen-year-old Princess Sandra of Orillia asked as she walked in with eighteen-year-old Princess Nella of Castlehaven and eighteen-year-old Princess Vivian of Zumaria.

"Just a figure of speech, Sandra," Sofia happily said.

"Oh, well," Sandra sighed, before turning happy again. "There's nothing like a good ball game."

"Agreed," Nella smiled. "The knights in Castlehaven love ball games, too."

"Crackle loves catching balls," Vivian happily spoke up.

"And we have Olaball in Avalor," Isabel added with a smile.

"I've heard about Olaball," Sandra happily revealed. "Perhaps you could tell me more about it during tonight's sleepover."

"I'd be happy to," Isabel agreed.

At that moment, Dianna and Doc walked in.

"Dianna, Doc," Sofia smiled. "Welcome."

"Thank you, Sofia," Dianna smiled back. "And thank you for letting Doc attend."

"You're welcome," Sofia happily acknowledged as Ruby walked over.

"So, this is the famous Doc I've been hearing about," Ruby greeted.

"I wouldn't know if I'd call myself famous, Princess Ruby," Doc admitted.

"I'd call you famous," Ruby smiled. "And please, just call me Ruby."

"As you wish, Princess ... I mean, Ruby," Doc agreed.

As Ruby and Doc talked, Vivian walked up to Dianna.

"You going to be okay with tonight?" Vivian asked Dianna.

"I think so, Vivian," Dianna acknowledged. "I want to thank you for helping me come out of my shell these past few months. Your guidance has helped a lot."

"You're welcome, Dianna," Vivian smiled. "When your parents suggested the two of us get to know each other better, I jumped at the chance. I may not be autistic, but I know what it's like to be nervous around people because I was like that when I was younger."

"I value your friendship," Dianna said, grateful. "It's nice to have somebody to talk to ... who understands."

Meanwhile, as Doc finished talking with Ruby, Hikari walked up with Skylar.

"I'm glad you could make it, Doc," Hikari smiled. "This is Princess Skylar of Cinnibar. I've arranged it so the three of us are sleeping next to each other."

"Nice to meet you, Princess Skylar," Doc happily acknowledged,

"Nice to meet you, Doc," Skylar smiled. "And please, just call me Skylar."

"Okay, Skylar," Doc happily agreed.

"Let's say we get this slumber party started," Sofia announced as she turned to Ruby. "Since this is your slumber party, what would you like to do first?"

Ruby thought for a few moments, then answered. "How about Spin the Nail Polish?"

"An excellent choice," Amber happily remarked.

Everybody sat on the floor where a spinner had been placed. Around the spinner were bottles of different colored bottles of nail polish. Ruby took the first turn, and the spinner stopped at a bottle of pink nail polish. Ruby then took the nail polish and painted her toenails with it.

"That looks good, Ruby," Jade praised.

"Very nice," Sofia smiled.

After Ruby's turn, everybody else spun the spinner, painting their toenails with whatever color of nail polish the spinner landed on. It was a fun way to spend an evening.

June 2, 1872

It was a Sunday night at Scarlett's palace in Cinnibar. In Scarlett's study, Scarlett and Colette talked.

"Colette," Scarlett said with a smile. "I've decided to take Skylar on her first mission tomorrow. I'm putting my trust in you to take care of Cinnibar while we're gone. You're my eyes and ears around here when I'm not here."

"Of course, Scarlett," Colette acknowledged. "You've had enough trust in me to make me immortal. The last thing I want to do is let you down. Cinnibar is your baby just as much as your daughters are."

"I see we understand each other," Scarlett approved as she gently put her hand on Colette's shoulder.

June 3, 1872

At Scarlett's palace, Scarlett and Skylar were in Scarlett's study.

"This is your first mission, Skylar," Scarlett said as she walked up to her younger daughter with a serious look on her face as she reached into her pocket. "Even though I trust you, I don't want to tempt fate."

Scarlett then placed an object in Skylar's hands and smiled as Skylar looked at the Horse Talisman in her hands.

"The Horse Talisman?" Skylar asked.

"The Horse is the healer," Scarlett explained. "Anything that should happen to you, this thing will instantly fix. So make sure you don't let it out of your sight for this mission."

"I promise, Mom," Skylar said in a reassuring voice as Colette walked in.

"Your royal flying carriage is waiting," Colette reported to Scarlett. "Faith is already aboard. Safe journey."

"Thank you, old friend," Scarlett acknowledged as she and Skylar walked out of the study.

In a few moments, Scarlett and Skylar reached the carriage where Faith was already aboard. Scarlett and Skylar then climbed aboard.

"Driver," Scarlett instructed. "Take us to the City of Ramblingham in Enchancia."

"Right away, Your Highness," the male driver acknowledged.

A while later, inside Ramblingham, Dorrie and Candice were on a street corner talking in whispers.

"The Dog Talisman has been traced here to Ramblingham," Dorrie whispered. "When used, it grants the owner the powers of immortality and rejuvenation. Apparently, it's in the possession of a gang of kid thieves led by an older man."

"If I'll be damned," Candice whispered in amazement. "Enchancia has its own version of Fagin?"

"Apparently so," Dorrie admitted with a whisper. "Like in Oliver Twist, this older man gets these kids to steal for him."

"So, what's the plan?" Candice asked in a whisper.

"Skylar is going to dress like a street kid so she can get into the group of kid thieves," Dorrie whispered. "She'll steal something from us, then high tail it. Luckily, the kids will see, help her get away, and take her to their hideout. The thing she will steal from us will have a micro transmitter inside it, and we can use that to track them down."

At that moment, Skylar appeared in the distance dressed in ragged clothing.

"Here we go," Dorrie whispered to Candice. "Act natural."

"Understood," Candice acknowledged in a whisper.

Skylar casually walked up, quickly snatched something from Dorrie's pocket, and ran off.

"Help! Police! Thief!" Dorrie yelled at the top of her lungs as Skylar continued to run.

"There she goes!" Candice pointed at the running Skylar.

A few city police officers ran after Skylar, but Skylar had a good lead. As Skylar rounded a corner, she was suddenly grabbed by a group of kids and dragged into an alleyway.

"Quiet!" a boy ordered Skylar. "Do you want the police to catch you?"

Skylar shook her head no as the police officers ran past, unaware of the kids in the alley.

"Well, that takes care of them," the boy smiled as the police continued down the street.

"Who are you?" Skylar wanted to know.

"Friends," the boy answered. "We'll take you to our leader. I'm sure Lawrence can find a use for a thief like you. Follow us."

"Working out as planned," Skylar thought to herself in glee as she followed the kids.

In a short while, the kids and Skylar arrived at the building that the gang used as a hideout. Once inside, the kids introduced Skylar to Lawrence, an older white-skinned man with gray hair.

"So, you stole a pocket watch from a noblewoman," Lawrence observed. "Very bold. I can use someone with such boldness."

"It's better than being out on the street," Skylar admitted.

"I see we're going to get along famously," Lawrence smiled as he turned to Bob, the boy who had first encountered Skylar. "Get this girl a mat to sleep on. She'll be joining our gang."

"I'll get right on that, Lawrence," Bob responded as he turned to Skylar. "If you'll follow me ... what is your name, anyway?"

"Becky," Skylar answered.

"Nice to meet you, Becky," Bob happily responded.

As Bob was setting up Skylar's mat, a door leading into the building was kicked in, and in rushed several male police officers, followed by Scarlett, Faith, Dorrie, and Candice. Skylar ducked for cover while Bob and a number of other kids made a run for it. However, Bob and the kids were quickly stopped by the police. Meanwhile, Lawrence grabbed an eight-year-old girl and held a knife at her throat.

"Come any closer and the girl gets it!" Lawrence warned the police.

At that moment, the girl brought back her foot and kicked Lawrence in the ankle. As Lawrence moved backward in pain, the girl ran off to one side as the police grabbed Lawrence. As Lawrence and the kids of the gang were led off by the police, Scarlett walked up to the girl who Lawrence had been threatening. Also, at that same moment, Skylar walked up with Dorrie and Candice.

"Hello, young one," Scarlett said to the girl in a gentle, reassuring way. "My name is Scarlett. And you are?"

"I'm Juliet," the girl answered. "Juliet Morgan."

"How did you come to be here?" Scarlett wanted to know.

"My mother was a follower of Neila," Juliet started. "But, I was born a squib and she abandoned me. Lawrence found me and took me in."

"We're looking for a talisman," Scarlett explained. "It would be silver in appearance."

"Oh!" Juliet remarked. "Lawrence opened up my teddy bear and put it inside. Lawrence then sewed up my teddy bear so nobody could see it. Lawrence hid it in my teddy bear before we found out what it did."

"Well, what do you know?" Candice whispered to Dorrie, amazed. "They had no idea what they had."

Juliet walked over to where her teddy bear was and brought it over to Scarlett.

"I realize you have to get the talisman," Juliet noted. "Please be careful with my teddy bear. He's one of the few things I have."

"We'll be very careful," Scarlett promised as she turned to Dorrie and Candice. "Any ideas?"

"Doc is attending school at Hexley Hall," Dorrie noted. "We could go there and have Doc carefully remove the talisman."

"Sounds like a plan," Scarlett approved as she motioned Juliet to follow her.

"Just one moment," one of the police officers intervened. "The girl has to be taken to the local orphanage along with the other kids."

"Officer," Dorrie started. "My sister and I are Enchancian Intelligence agents, and that gives us law enforcement authority. We place this girl under protective custody until we can find a suitable orphanage or family for her to be placed with."

"Then I yield to your authority, Princess Dorrie," the officer agreed.

Scarlett, Juliet, Skylar, Faith, Dorrie, and Candice walked to Scarlett's flying carriage and climbed aboard. The carriage took off and in a little while reached Hexley Hall. As the carriage landed, Juliet looked apprehensive.

"What is it, Juliet?" Scarlett wanted to know.

"I don't have any powers, and ... this is a magical school," Juliet answered.

"And you have mixed feelings about being here," Scarlett theorized.

"Yes," Juliet quietly responded.

"There are a lot of people who don't have magical powers," Scarlett pointed out. "The fact that one doesn't have magical powers doesn't make that person any less of a person. Everybody contributes to society in his or her own way."

"These are good people here at Hexley Hall," Candice said in a reassuring voice. "Nobody will judge you."

The group walked into Hexley Hall where they were greeted by Headmistress Lovegood. After explaining the situation, Lovegood sent for Doc who arrived a short while later.

"I understand there's something inside of this teddy bear you want, Queen Scarlett," Doc said as she curtsied.

"Yes, Miss McStuffins," Scarlett acknowledged. "A talisman."

"I understand," Doc responded.

"Please be careful with Teddy," Juliet pleaded. "He's all I've got."

"Don't worry," Doc said in a reassuring voice. "I'll take good care of Teddy. When I'm done, he'll be as good as new. I promise."

"Okay," Juliet agreed as she handed over Teddy to Doc.

Doc walked into a room and was gone for a long while. Afterward, Doc walked out with Teddy under her arm.

"Teddy!" Juliet exclaimed in glee.

"As promised, he's good as new," Doc smiled as she handed Teddy to Juliet. As Juliet hugged Teddy, Doc turned to Scarlett. "Your talisman, Queen Scarlett."

"Thank you," Scarlett said, pleased, as she took the talisman. "And it's just Scarlett to you. All my friends call me that. And I consider you to be a friend."

"Thank you, Queen ... I mean, Scarlett," Doc acknowledged, pleased.

A while later at Enchancia Castle

Steffan Lorich and his wife Hannah were delivering some cut wood to Enchancia Castle. Steffan was the official woodcutter for Enchancia Castle and had been the one who a number of years earlier had discovered King Roland, Baileywick, and their two drivers in the woods before a big winter storm was due to strike.

"A fresh supply of cut wood, as requested by Chef Andre," Steffan announced as Baileywick and some servants approached.

"Excellent, Steffan," Baileywick happily acknowledged as the servants started unloading the cut wood.

"I've also brought some raspberry jam," Hannah announced. "Chef Andre requested some."

"Thank you, Hannah," Baileywick smiled. "Your jams are always looked forward to here at the castle."

At that moment, Dorrie and Candice walked up with Juliet.

"Why, hello," Baileywick happily greeted Juliet before turning to Dorrie and Candice. "Who do we have here."

"This is Juliet Morgan," Candice explained. "She's an orphan."

"Candice and I have taken her under our wing until we can find a suitable family for her or deliver her to the local orphanage," Dorrie added. "We'd rather find her a suitable family. The local orphanage is quite nice, but a child does deserve a family."

"Steffan," Hannah turned to her husband. "I know this is rather short notice, but is there any way we could adopt her?"

"We have a big enough new home, thanks to King Roland's generosity," Steffan responded.

"Sweetheart, would you like to come home with us?" Hannah smiled at Juliet.

"I'm a squib," Juliet explained, embarrassed. "Born from a witch, but without any magical powers."

"We don't have magical powers, either," Steffan said in a reassuring voice. "We're just hard-working folk who would very much love to have you."

"We'd give you all the love you could ever want," Hannah promised Juliet. "What do you say?"

"I say yes!" Juliet happily exclaimed.

"The two of you take Juliet home, and Candice and I will talk to Mrs. Tweetle at the local orphanage," Dorrie directed Steffan and Hannah. "I know she'll happily approve of Juliet being adopted by you."

As the cut wood and the jam was removed from the wagon that Steffan and Hannah had arrived in, Dorrie and Candice gently put Juliet in the back of the wagon.

"Let's say we be off, then," Steffan suggested as the wagon pulled away.

"You're going to love it at our place," Hannah smiled at Juliet. "You'll also have a big brother and sister. There's Mario who's seventeen, and there's Suzie who's fifteen. The two of them are going to love you."

As Steffan, Hannah, and Juliet road away having a happy conversation, Dorrie and Candice smiled at the pleasant sight. Everything was right with the world.

(End of Chapter 20).

Behind the scenes

In this installment of "Behind the scenes", we look at the status of the various talismans as of this chapter (thanks to Brigade701 for helping to put together this list).

Dog Talisman
Immortality, Rejuvenation
Retrieved in Chapter 20 of "Ever Realm Chronicles"

Dragon Talisman
Combustion
Retrieved in Chapter 16 of "Ever Realm Chronicles"

Horse Talisman
Healing, Regeneration.
Retrieved in Chapter 10 of "Ever Realm Chronicles"

Monkey Talisman
Shapeshifting
Not retrieved

Ox Talisman
Super Strength
Retrieved in Chapter 19 of "Ever Realm Chronicles"

Pig Talisman
Heat Vision
Retrieved in Chapter 12 of "Ever Realm Chronicles"

Rabbit Talisman
Super Speed
Retrieved in Chapter 19 of "Ever Realm Chronicles"

Rat Talisman
Animation
Retrieved in Chapter 11 of "Ever Realm Chronicles"

Rooster Talisman
Levitation, Telekinesis.
Retrieved in Chapter 16 of "Ever Realm Chronicles".

Sheep Talisman
Astral Projection
Retrieved in Chapter 11 of "Ever Realm Chronicles"

Snake Talisman
Invisibility
Retrieved in Chapter 14 of "Ever Realm Chronicles"

Tiger Talisman
Spiritual Balance
Retrieved in Chapter 13 of "Ever Realm Chronicles"

Author's notes

Azkaban is from "Harry Potter".

Baby Teddy and Princess Dianna of Yensid are characters created by dbug27 and are used in this story with permission from dbug27. Princess Dianna is from dbug27's story "a special princess".

Doc McStuffins and her father (Marcus McStuffins) are based on the same characters from "Doc McStuffins" but adapted for the "Sofia the First" universe. Having Doc and Marcus appear in "Ever Realm Chronicles" was the idea of MisuteriTenshi / SailorWednesdayMercury.

Fagin is a criminal character from Charles Dickens' 1838 novel "Oliver Twist".

Having the Dog Talisman being inside Juliet's teddy bear was inspired by a suggestion by Mark T.

Headmistress Lovegood (A.K.A. Miss Gayle Lovegood) is originally from my stories "Dorrie", "Dorrie: Book Two", and "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia", and is an ancestor of Luna Lovegood from "Harry Potter".

Hikari is an alternate universe version of Hikari from "Digimon: Digital Monsters". Having Hikari appear in this story was the idea of Shaddowridder221. I decided to use Hikari's original Japanese name of Hikari to avoid confusion with Princess Kari from "Sofia the First".

Juliet Morgan is a character created by Brigade701 and is used in my stories with the permission of Brigade701.

King Toshi, Olaball, Prince Soji, Princess Isabel, and Princess Rebecca are from "Elena of Avalor".

Merroway Cove is from "Sofia the First".

Neila is a female villain from my stories "A Scarlet Evening", "Being Summoned", "Dorrie: Book Two", "Flashbacks", "Incident at Royal Prep", "Lockdown", "New Beginnings", "Once Upon a Time in Enchancia", "Sheynok", "The Newest Princess", "The Storm", and "Witch Tales".

Princess Faith (Queen Scarlett's adopted daughter) is an earlier version of Faith seen in the "Torchwood" episodes "Dead Man Walking" and "Fragments".

Princess Nella is a grown-up version of the same character from "Nella the Princess Knight".

Princess Sandra of Orillia is a character created by Jolly Roger Brat. Princess Sandra is used in my stories with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat.

Queen Scarlett's daughter, Skylar, is an original character created by Jake H Voronkov for my stories (the fact that Scarlett's daughter, and Elena of Avalor's Jaguin, share the same name is simply an interesting quirk of fate).

"Skylar is in a very good mood tonight," Faith reported. "Mom's considering sending Skylar on her first Talesman mission ... with backup, of course." - this is based on a suggestion made by Jake H Voronkov.

Squib: a squib, also known as a wizard-born, is a non-magical person who was born to at least one magical parent. They are rare and are looked upon with a degree of disdain by some witches and warlocks/wizards, particularly pure-bloods. Squibs are from "Harry Potter".

The City of Ramblingham is mentioned in the "Sofia the First" episode "Sofia the Second".

The Dog Talisman and the Horse Talisman are originally from "Jackie Chan Adventures".

The Kingdom of Avalor is from "Elena of Avalor".

The Kingdom of Galonia is from "Elena of Avalor".

The Kingdom of Orillia is a kingdom created by Jolly Roger Brat, and is used in my stories with permission from Jolly Roger Brat.

The Kingdom of Satu is from "Elena of Avalor".

The Kingdom of Weiling is from "Sofia the First".

The Kingdom of Zumaria is from "Sofia the First".

The Lorich family is originally from the early part of my story "Dorrie". Steffan Lorich is the same woodcutter from the "Sofia the First" episode "Holiday in Enchancia". Hannah is his wife, and Mario and Suzie are their children (now along with Juliet). Sofia2017 planning originally came up with the first names of Mario and Suzie, while I came up with the last name of Lorich. Meanwhile, their mother's name, Hannah, was established in "Holiday in Enchancia". Their father was never given a name in "Holiday in Enchancia", so in "Dorrie" I came up with the name of Steffan for him. Using the Lorich family in this chapter was the idea of Brigade701.

The oath that Ruby takes at her princess coronation is based on the oath Mia took in the movie "Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement".

The Scarlett Warrior (A.K.A. Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett) (A.K.A. Queen Scarlett Katherine Felchenerow) is a character created by Jake H Voronkov and is used in my stories with permission from Jake H Voronkov. Meanwhile, the character of Colette (A.K.A. Lady Colette Cosmarune) is a character that I and Jake H Voronkov created and is based on Bayonetta from the video game "Bayonetta" (please note that Colette, and Madam Collette of Enchancia Castle, are two different characters who are not related in any way, shape, or form).

The scene with Doc fixing Baby Teddy was the idea of dbug27.

The scene with Scarlett and Colette talking in Scarlett's study was the idea of Jake H Voronkov (who also provided most of the dialog for that scene).

The scene with Scarlett and Skylar talking in Scarlett's study was the idea of Jake H Voronkov (who also provided some of the dialog for that scene).

Disclaimer

Baby Teddy, Princess Dianna of Yensid, and the other original ideas from dbug27 are the property of dbug27 and are used in this story with the permission of dbug27.

"Elena of Avalor" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Disney Television Animation, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.

"Harry Potter" and everything associated with it © J. K. Rowling, Bloomsbury Publishing, Arthur A. Levine Books, Little Brown, Heyday Films, 1492 Pictures, Patalex IV Productions, and Warner Brothers Pictures.

"Jackie Chan Adventures" and everything associated with it © The JC Group, Blue Train Entertainment, Adelaide Productions, and Sony Pictures Television.

Juliet Morgan and the other original ideas from Brigade701 are the property of Brigade701 and are used in my stories with the permission of Brigade701.

"Nella the Princess Knight" and everything associated with it © Christine Ricci, Brown Bag Films, Channel 5, and Nick Jr.

"Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement" and everything associated with it © Walt Disney Pictures, ShondaLand, and Martin Chase Productions.

Princess Sandra and the other original ideas from Jolly Roger Brat are the property of Jolly Roger Brat and are used in my stories with the permission of Jolly Roger Brat (under an agreement that the two of us may use things from each other's "Sofia the First" fan fiction stories).

"Sofia the First" and everything associated with it © Craig Gerber, Jamie Mitchell, Disney Television Animation, Toiion Animation Studios, Team TO, and Disney-ABC Domestic Television.

The Scarlett Warrior and the other original ideas from Jake H Voronkov are the property of Jake H Voronkov and are used in my stories with the permission of Jake H Voronkov.

I only own Bob, Candice Cosmarune-Cooper, Dorrie Cosmarune-Cooper, Headmistress Lovegood, Inky, Lawrence, Melanie Dracano, Melanie Ludwin, Mrs. Tweedle, Neila, Raymond Dracano, Repulsia!, Valentina Androcasia-Dracano, and the Kingdom of Durenth.